fifield



(No Model.)

, J. W. 1). FIFIELD.

LAST. N0. 288,934. 7 Patenteamv. 20,1ss3.5

M71202; Jaw xx 3419229162,

4 V I 5 ma rm'z w UNITED STATES PATENT FFicE.

JOHN W. D. FIFIELD, OF NORTH BROOKFIELD, ASSIGNOR TO ALFRED H. BATOHELLER, OF BOSTON, MASSACHUSETTS.

LAST.

SPECIFICATION forming part Of Letters Patent No. 288,934, dated November 20, 1883,

' Application filed August 6,1883. (N0 model.)

To. all whom it may concern.- 7

Be it known that I, JOHN W. D. FIFIELD, of Nprth Brookfield, county of Worcester, State of Massachusetts, have invented an Improvement in Lasts, of which the following description, in connection with the accompanying drawings, is a specification, like letters on the drawings representing like parts.

This invention, relating to lasts, has for its object to hold the block'in position in a novel manner, so that the same cannot possibly be moved backward longitudinally from the toe when the bottom of the last is uppermost and the shoe is being lasted or bottomed.

My invention consists, essentially, in the combination, with a last and its block, of a gravitating block-holder adapted to engage the block when the bottom of the last is uppermost and to release the block when the top of the last is uppermost.

Figure 1, in longitudinal section, represents alast, block-holder, and block embodying my invention. Fig. 2 shows the block detached. Fig. 3 shows two views of the block-holder; and Fig. 4 is a longitudinal section of a last and block, showing a modification of my invention.

In the drawings, A represents a shell-like cast-metal last, having a socket, A, to receive the usual standard of a so-called lasting 01' nailing jack. Thisla'st is provided with a metal block, 13, having a tongue, I), to entera recess formed in the last, the sides of the said block being, when the latter is in position, substantially flush with the sides of the last.

The block B, Figs. 1 and 2, made as a castmetal shell, has a lug or projection, 12', at its inner side at a little distance back from the large end 2 of the block. The block is placed in position on the last when the bottom of the last is turned downward and while the blockholder 0, pivoted at d on the last, occupies the dotted line position, Fig. 1; but as soon as the block B is placed in position the last, with the upper thereon, is turned over, so that the bottom of the last is uppermost, when the blockholder 0, by reason of gravity, drops from its dotted into its full line position, Fig. 1, cansing the hooked part 3 of the said block-holder to fall behind the projection 12 of the block B, the block-holder engaging and retaining the block: against accidental longitudinal movement backward from the toe of the last so long as the bottom of the last is uppermost.

To apply my invention to an ordinary .wooden last having a block, D, of usual shape, I provide the main part of the last with a hole, f, for the reception of a gravitating blockholder composed of a pin, g, having a heavy head, and I cover the mouth of the said hole with a metal guide-piece, h, inserted therein, as in Fig. 4, attached to the last by screws 4, and having a central hole for the passage of the pin The block B is provided with ahole, m, into which the pin 9 drops when the last, the block having been applied in correct position, is turned to place its bottom uppermost.

I do not desire to limit my invention to the particular construction of gravitating blockholders herein shown, as it is obvious that the construction of the same may be variously modified without departing from my invention.

I claim- As an improved article of manufacture, a last having a block and a gravitating blockholder, substantially as described, adapted to move by gravity alone to engage and hold the block in place, substantially as described.

In testimony whereof I have signed my name to this specification in the presence of two subscribing witnesses.

JOHN W. D. FIFIELD.

Witnesses:

W. H. HOLT, FRANK WARE. 

